Now Abramovich must speak out as Terry and Cole saga rumbles on

Roman Abramovich prizes his privacy. The Chelsea owner makes his billions discreetly and takes his pleasures in similar fashion.

But on Sunday morning he may be reconsidering his policy of public silence, as his proudest possession is battered by waves of public disgust and contempt.

The meticulously argued judgment of the FA's independent regulatory commission reveals that his club are captained by a man, John Terry, who shouted a racial insult then shamelessly attempted to escape the consequences.

It goes on: Ashley Cole tweeted 'what a bunch of t****' about the FA

Their most distinguished player, Ashley Cole, participated in that deception.

And their secretary, Dave Barnard, colluded in the cover-up.

Cole's moronic tweet when the commission announced its findings simply reinforced the impression of a club whose employees are out of control.

Chelsea's current stance is one of unquestioning support for their men.

In Terry's case, it is the kind of blindly misplaced allegiance which cost Fabio Capello his England job and reduced the stature of his successor, Roy Hodgson.

But for the moment they are standing by him, also by the classless Cole and the hapless Barnard. Yet the findings of that commission have inflicted widespread damage.